Israel is entering what the majority is calling its most precarious and unstable political period in recent history. The Middle East is undergoing a profound strategic shift, in which longstanding regional dynamics are evolving. While Iran has emerged as a more aggressive adversary, Turkey is rising as a major threat. At the same time, traditional power structures are weakening, and the artificial intelligence is transforming the nature of warfare.
The changing nature of battlefield was underscored during the June conflict, when Iran leveraged advanced technology to inflict significant damage on Israel, signalling a new era of high-tech regional confrontations. Experts believe that the doctrines that have enabled Israel to maintain its position as a powerful power in the past need to be updated. Israel can no longer rely on outdated military strategies for its defense. The assumptions that have guided Israeli strategy for decades are rapidly becoming outdated.
Why is Israel’s old strategy failing?
For several years, Israel has operated under the assumption that it could control its major threats, such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. However, this strategic framework has now collapsed. The Iranian network, once considered weak, has demonstrated itself as a strong force during the June war. On the other hand, Hamas in Gaza remains unwilling to change its ideology even after its defeat and has begun consolidating its power.
Meanwhile, Houthi rebels are continuously launching attacks in the Red Sea, and Turkey is attempting to expand its influence in Syria following the rise of the al-Julani government. Consequently, it is becoming impossible for Israel to control the threats it faces. In other words, Israel may now be forced to confront the possibility of a simultaneous multi-front war.
How is Turkey posing threat to Israel?
Turkey now poses a significant threat to Israel. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rapidly expanded Turkey’s defense industry, advancing its naval power and drone technology. At the same time, Turkey is increasing its involvement in Libya and the Mediterranean region. Moreover, by leveraging religious influence, Turkey is emerging as one of Israel’s most dangerous adversaries, leading defense experts to believe that it could be even more dangerous to Israel than Iran.
Why should Israel upgrade its security strategy?
Defense experts say that it is imperative for Israel to reconsider and upgrade its security strategy. In light of regional instability, Israel must urgently formulate a new strategy. It needs to reposition itself among global powers and advance the development of its rapidly evolving defense technology to protect itself. If Israel remains unprepared for a potential multi-front war, it will find it increasingly difficult to defend itself in the future.
